Brando's

4.7

3756 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines
Good for business meals

Brando's was founded on the premise of great food made from quality ingredients, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere which we believe are the three elements of any enjoyable dining experience.

The chef/owner, Steven Botta, grew up in Brooklyn and learned many of recipes used at Brando's from his mother. Raised in this welcoming tradition, he believes when you enter Brando's, whether its your first time or your one hundredth time, you should always feel like they are dining with family.

Soulful Italian is the best way to describe our menu. Our culinary team has been trained at the finest culinary schools, and has over fifty years of combined experience. From our fresh pasta, to our line-caught fish, to our thirty-five day dry-aged steaks, the difference is discernible

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Steak
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(732) 774-2222
Website
http://www.brandosnj.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Steven Botta
Catering
We offer upscale private parties
Private party facilities
Private dining room available upon request, subject to availability

Location
164 Main Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Neighborhood
Asbury Park
Cross street
Cookman
Parking details
Metered street parking and metered lots at train station and on Lake Ave *Helpful hint: Free parking on Main Street, and pay-to-park municipal lot on Lake Ave, and parking garage on Bangs Ave
Public transit
NJ Transit train directly accross the street.Asbury Park offers a seasonal "free ride" in a continuous loop from the boardwalk to the downtown- just flag it down...
Entertainment
Tuesday: 20 select wines for $20/bottleWednesday: Burger Night!Thursday: Complimentary Select Dessert w/ purchase of dry-aged steakSunday: Grandma's Traditional Sunday Gravy $31/personMon-Fri: 4pm-6:30pm: Happy Hour (available at BAR Only)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Popular dishes

Pasta E Fagioli$9.00
Rustic Italian soup - pasta—organic cannellini beans
Zucchini Fritte$10.00
Fresh sliced panko crusted zucchini - garlic aioli dipping sauce
Tuscan Wings$10.00
Free range jumbo chicken wings in extra virgin olive oil, lemon and fresh herbs, topped with caramelized onions
Spedini$12.00
Layered mozzarella with rustic Italian bread - lightly fried - lemon anchovy - caper white wine sauce
Beggars Purses$11.00
Crisp won-ton purses stuffed with sweet Italian sausage - ricotta- roasted peppers - garlic aioli - balsamic reduction
Crispy Calamari$13.00
Lightly fried serve with serrano peppers - savory marinara
Zuppa Di Clams$16.00
Little neck clams - shaved fennel, red or white wine garlic basic broth
Clams Oreganata$13.00
Little neck clams topped with roasted garlic and parsley
Mussels Fra Diavolo$16.00
Spicy plum tomato sauce, garlic, rosemary and Sicilian long hots
Jumbo Lump Crab And Avocado$25.00
Jumbo lump crab, avocado, poached shrimp, lemon, mint
Burata$19.00
Prosciutto, mixed olives, crostini
Mozzarella Caprese$14.00
Imported buffalo mozzarella - baby tomatoes -roasted peppers - fresh basil
Meatball Insalata$14.00
Two fried meatballs, one in Sunday gravy and the other with extra virgin olive oil and roasted garlic, served with old school salad in a red wine vinaigrette
Polenta and Mushrooms$15.00
Creamy polenta with butter and parmigiana-reggiano with mushrooms sautéed in marsala wine and shallots finished with truffle oil
Eggplant Tower$14.00
Eggplant fried in homemade bread crumbs, layered with fresh mozzarella and tomato, topped with arugula and a balsamic reduction

Insalata

Try Our Fresh Pasta

House Salad$10.00
Mixed baby greens - cucumber - tomato - onion - white balsamic
Beet Salad$12.00
Organic golden beets - whipped ricotta cheese - pistachio
Insalata Calabrese$12.00
Baby arugula with shaved fennel and red onion, tossed in a citrus vinaigrette and topped with parmigiano-reggiano and blood orange slices
Brando's Wedge$12.00
Crisp iceberg lettuce wedge - maytag chunky blue cheese dressing applewood smoked bacon
Carpaccio$15.00
Prime filet mignon, baby arugula- tossed in black truffle oil and topped with shaved parmigiano-reggiano
Antipasto All'Italiana$16.00
italian cured meats and cheeses

Wood Oven Pizzette

Friday and Saturday served until 7pm

Classic Neapolitan$12.00
Fresh mozzarella, plum tomato and parmigiano-reggiano finished with extra virgin olive oil and basil
Palermo$16.00
Slow cooked plum tomato with roasted garlic and onions topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella and parmigiano-reggiano finished with extra virgin olive oil and basil
White Truffle$14.00
Fresh mozzarella - truffle - exotic mushrooms -ricotta - pesto drizzle
Prima Tartufi
Fresh mozzarella white pie with roasted garlic - grape tomato - extra virgin olive oil topped with arugula tossed in truffle oil- finished with prosciutto and parmigiano reggiano
Calabria$18.00
Fresh mozzarella with roasted garlic - caramelized red onion and long hot peppers finished with extra virgin olive oil and parmigiano-reggiano

Pastas

gluten free and whole wheat pasta available upon request

Rigatoni Vodka$18.00
Crispy pancetta sauteed with shallots in a tomato cream sauce
Fusilli Alla Primavera$18.00
Fusilli pasta - medley of organic roasted vegetables - roasted garlic - Sicilian extra virgin olive oil
Pacheri Meatballs$20.00
Our classic meatballs and pasta "old school" topped with ricotta
Gnocchi "Three Way"$19.00
Homemade ricotta basil gnocchi- savory marinara sauce- basil pesto creamy alfredo sauce
Orecchiette$20.00
Broccoli rabe and sausage
Linguini Vongole$20.00
Vongole finished with white wine - garlic -roasted garlic extra virgin olive oil
Rigatoni Bolognese$22.00
Our famous classic bolognese - homemade ricotta
Bucatini Tomato And Basil$22.00
Fresh tomatoes slow cooked - infused with garlic and basil oil - finished with parmigiano -reggiano
Pasta Al Forno$26.00
Fusilli pasta - pancetta and shallots in a brandy cream sauce - topped with radicchio - baby shrimp finished with mozzarella and basil - served in a foil pouch
Linguini Sinatra$28.00
Shrimp - scallops - clams - gaeta olives - capers - light marinara
Pappardelle Toscana$29.00
Scallops - jumbo shrimp - spicy garlic sauce
Seafood Fra Diavolo$34.00
Shrimp - mussels - clams - lobster in a spicy red sauce - finished with extra virgin olive oil and basil over tagliatelle

Carne

Ask About Our 35 Day Dry Aged Steak Selection P/a

Chicken Francese$22.00
Free range chicken breast francaise style - white asparagus - capers - white wine lemon sauce - crispy risotto ball
Chicken Capriccio$22.00
Free range chicken breasts sauteed in marsala wine - garlic - mushroomsasparagus tips - crispy risotto ball
Chicken Savoy$24.00
Bell & Evans chicken on the bone - balsamic reduction - parmesan garlic crust - crispy risotto ball
Chicken Scarpariello$26.00
Bell & Evans chicken on the bone sauteed with sausage - potato - bell and serrano peppers - lemon - herbs - garlic
Organic Hanger Steak$28.00
Organix raised hanger steak served sliced - smashed potato - organic root vegetables
Filet Mignon$32.00
10oz prime filet - smashed potato - organic root vegetables - barolo demi
Pork Chop Brando$26.00
14oz Berkshire pork chop - hot and sweet peppers - garlic - onions - bacon and onion potato tart
Veal Cucina$28.00
Pan sauteed veal scallopini - sweet and hot peppers - onions - white winekiss of marinara
Veal Napoleon$28.00
Medallions of veal scaloppini stacked with crimini mushrooms - savory wine truffle reduction - shoestring potatoes
Veal Chop Fuoco$42.00
14oz prime veal chop simply seasoned and broiled - Italian long hot peppers - potato tart
Veal Chop Milanese$42.00
Double cut prime milk fed veal chop pounded thin - lightly breaded arugula salad - baby tomatoes
Veal Chop Parmigiana$42.00
Double cut prime milk fed veal chop pounded thin - lightly breaded - savory marinara sauce - homemade mozzarella
Stuffed Veal Chop$42.00
Double cut prime milk fed veal chop stuffed with fresh figs - asiago cheese - wild mushroom cognac sauce - bacon potato tart

Pesce

Spicy Garlic Shrimp$30.00
Jumbo shrimp sauteed in a spicy garlic sauce- risotto
Peasant Shrimp$30.00
Jumbo shrimp sauteed in garlic and Sicilian olive oil - hot and sweet peppers - cannellini beans - white wine sauce - risotto ball
Chilean Sea Bass$34.00
Eggplant caponata - shoestring sweet potatoes
Tuna$30.00
WIld mushroom farrotto - sherry vinaigrette
Scallops$32.00
Zucchini "3 way" risotto - pistachio brown butter
Brodetto$34.00
Lobster - scallops- fish of the day- jumbo shrimp - mussel - clams in a traditional Mediterranean tomato broth
Branzino$34.00
Roasted whole Mediterranean sea bass - beluga black lentils - white wine - capers - lemon
Angry Lobster "Arrabiata"
Fresh Maine lobster in the shell - cut in pieces - sauteed in Sicilian olive oil - basil - hot pepper - garlic - white wine
- MP

Contorti

Italian Long Hot Peppers with Garlic$9.00
Crispy Risotto Cakes$9.00
Potato Tart$9.00
Asparagus Sauteed in Garlic and Oil$9.00
Broccoli Rabe Sauteed in Garlic and Oil$9.00
Mashed Potato$9.00
Truffle Risotto$12.00
Lobster Mac & Cheese$20.00

What 3,756 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Monmouth
Great for fine wines
Monmouth
Good for special occasions
Monmouth
Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Brando's is celebrated for its "amazing food" and "outstanding service," making it a top choice for memorable occasions. Many diners appreciate the "cozy atmosphere" and "old school Italian vibe." While some note occasional noise and rushed dining, the "phenomenal dishes" and attentive staff consistently impress, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for most guests.

3,756 Reviews

J
John
VIP
Atlantic City
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Food was disappointing relative to prior visits.
Is this helpful?
l
laura
New York City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great dining experience. Love this place for dinner. It’s a must try
Is this helpful?
T
Thomas
VIP
New York City
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our third time there. Brando’s has become a new favorite! The food and service are excellent. The whole dining experience is top notch. We will be back!
Is this helpful?
D
David
New York City
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Went on a Saturday night with another couple. Had 6:30 reservations and had a short 15 minute wait when we arrived. We were seated on the bar side of the restaurant but the other large room wasn’t any quieter. The joint was jumping! Service was good, menu had many choices and they had some good specials to add. Cocktails were just strong enough although they were over priced at $23. Apps were good and came hot. We did feel a little rushed because as soon as the cleared the apps the main courses came out not leaving g any time to make room. All 4 of us took most of our main courses came home. Overall was a good night. Two downsides, no parking and Asbury on a Saturday night is a tough place to park. Second, feeling rushed to complete the service. By the way, when we did pay the check, there was no one waiting for a table and the bar was just about empty.
Is this helpful?
M
Matt
New York City
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I have been to Brandos many times. We had a couple of the classic pasta dishes and they were just ok - we had to send back one of the dishes because it had no seasoning/flavor and had little if any prosciutto in it.
Is this helpful?
S
Sal
New York City
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We were disappointed when we were informed on the menu that we had 90 minutes to eat. We felt rushed. We were also disappointed in the noise level. It was extremely loud. The food was very good but not for the exorbitant prices. I ordered the short rib for $65, and honestly I have had better for half the price at other restaurants.
Is this helpful?
S
Salvatore
VIP
Baltimore
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Very loud and a bit cold, service was great food was excellent
Is this helpful?
P
Paul
VIP
New York City
27 reviews
3.0
27 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Went for dinner on a Friday night, bar was very busy, loud! Food was good, but not worth the value for the prices paid. Ordered the beef carpaccio appy, plenty of arugula, but a tiny portion of beef. Then ordered the "angry lobster", and while good (could have been angrier, IMO), it was just the lobster in sauce, no side (potatoes, a veggie)! Definitely not worth the $75 we paid for. Drinks were good (coconut mojitos were delicious), and service was excellent, but probably not worth going back any time soon.
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G
Gary
VIP
New Jersey
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brando’s vibe is just chill and enjoy! The food is outstanding. Steaks dry aged, veal chop in several incarnations. Seafood all you want. Enjoy!
Is this helpful?
L
Lane
New Jersey
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great bar, great service, great food. What more do you want?
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Brando's offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (732) 774-2222.

Brando's is rated 4.7 stars by 3756 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

164 Main Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Additional information

Cross street
Cookman
Neighborhood
Asbury Park
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Steak
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Metered street parking and metered lots at train station and on Lake Ave *Helpful hint: Free parking on Main Street, and pay-to-park municipal lot on Lake Ave, and parking garage on Bangs Ave
Public transit
NJ Transit train directly accross the street.Asbury Park offers a seasonal "free ride" in a continuous loop from the boardwalk to the downtown- just flag it down...
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Steven Botta
Entertainment
Tuesday: 20 select wines for $20/bottleWednesday: Burger Night!Thursday: Complimentary Select Dessert w/ purchase of dry-aged steakSunday: Grandma's Traditional Sunday Gravy $31/personMon-Fri: 4pm-6:30pm: Happy Hour (available at BAR Only)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.brandosnj.com/
Phone number
(732) 774-2222
Catering
We offer upscale private parties
Private party facilities
Private dining room available upon request, subject to availability

Brando's

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Filet Mignon

Pistachio Caramel Ice Cream Cake

Meatball Insalata

Antipasta

Pasta E Fagioli$9.00

Zucchini Fritte$10.00

Tuscan Wings$10.00

Spedini$12.00

Beggars Purses$11.00

Crispy Calamari$13.00

Zuppa Di Clams$16.00

Clams Oreganata$13.00

Mussels Fra Diavolo$16.00

Jumbo Lump Crab And Avocado$25.00

Burata$19.00

Mozzarella Caprese$14.00

Meatball Insalata$14.00

Polenta and Mushrooms$15.00

Eggplant Tower$14.00

Insalata

House Salad$10.00

Beet Salad$12.00

Insalata Calabrese$12.00

Brando's Wedge$12.00

Carpaccio$15.00

Antipasto All'Italiana$16.00

Wood Oven Pizzette

Classic Neapolitan$12.00

Palermo$16.00

White Truffle$14.00

Prima Tartufi

Calabria$18.00

Pastas

Rigatoni Vodka$18.00

Fusilli Alla Primavera$18.00

Pacheri Meatballs$20.00

Gnocchi "Three Way"$19.00

Orecchiette$20.00

Linguini Vongole$20.00

Rigatoni Bolognese$22.00

Bucatini Tomato And Basil$22.00

Pasta Al Forno$26.00

Linguini Sinatra$28.00

Pappardelle Toscana$29.00

Seafood Fra Diavolo$34.00

Carne

Chicken Francese$22.00

Chicken Capriccio$22.00

Chicken Savoy$24.00

Chicken Scarpariello$26.00

Organic Hanger Steak$28.00

Filet Mignon$32.00

Pork Chop Brando$26.00

Veal Cucina$28.00

Veal Napoleon$28.00

Veal Chop Fuoco$42.00

Veal Chop Milanese$42.00

Veal Chop Parmigiana$42.00

Stuffed Veal Chop$42.00

Pesce

Spicy Garlic Shrimp$30.00

Peasant Shrimp$30.00

Chilean Sea Bass$34.00

Tuna$30.00

Scallops$32.00

Brodetto$34.00

Branzino$34.00

Angry Lobster "Arrabiata"

Contorti

Italian Long Hot Peppers with Garlic$9.00

Crispy Risotto Cakes$9.00

Potato Tart$9.00

Asparagus Sauteed in Garlic and Oil$9.00

Broccoli Rabe Sauteed in Garlic and Oil$9.00

Mashed Potato$9.00

Truffle Risotto$12.00